Death of PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher and Funeral Arrangements

Death of PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher
by : Chief T.C. (Ted) Anderson

With deep regret, the Martinsburg Police Department announces the death of PFC Roger E.(J.R.) Butcher, age 30, late Thursday evening, January 29, 2009, at City Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. J.R. was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his passing.

Over the past year, J.R. has fought a valiant fight against cancer. His spirit and determination never waivered and each day he looked forward to and expressed optimism in returning to his full duties at the Martinsburg Police Department.

J.R. was a nine (9) year veteran of the Martinsburg Police Department. During his career, J.R. performed a number of assignments for the Martinsburg Police Department. These include the following:

School Resource Officer at Martinsburg High School
Assistant Firearms Instructor
Member Emergency Response Team
Advisor-Martinsburg P.D. Explorer Post #27
Martinsburg P.D. Bicycle Unit
Past Coordinator-“Bigs in Blue” Program with
Big Brothers/Big Sisters

J. R. was an August 2000 graduate of the 107th session of the Basic Police Training Class at the West Virginia State Police Academy.

J.R. loved his profession and enjoyed helping the community, most especially young people and adolescents. He was an outstanding role model and mentor and received numerous positive reviews as the 1st School Resource Officer at Martinsburg High School prior to his illness.

J.R. was well-respected and admired by his peers in the law enforcement- criminal justice community.

During his cancer battle, J.R. and his family received an enormous amount of support from the community in various forms such as financial, emotional and spiritual.

During his professional career, J.R. also worked for 4 months as a Deputy Sheriff with the Berkeley County Sheriffs Office.

Friday, January 30, 2009---2:00 P.M.
Issued by: Chief T.C. (Ted) Anderson

Funeral arrangements for PFC Roger E. (J.R.) Butcher, who passed away Thursday, January 29, 2009, has been completed.

Viewing for PFC Butcher will be held on Monday, February 2, 2009, at the Brown Funeral Home, 327 West King Street, Martinsburg, WV. The viewing will occur in two sessions. These sessions will be between the hours of 2:00 P.M-4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M.-9:00 P.M.

The funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, at 12:00 P.M. (noon). This service will be conducted at the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Parks & Recreation Center, 273 Woodbury Avenue, Martinsburg, WV.

Interment will be at Pleasant View Memory Gardens, St. Rt. 9 East of Martinsburg, WV across from the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

The family has requested donations in lieu of flowers be made to the following
entities:

"J.R. Care Fund”
c/o Bank of Charles Town
9738 Tuscarora Pike
Martinsburg, WV 25403

Martinsburg-Berkeley Co. Boys & Girls Club
105 West John Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401


Big Brothers-Big Sisters of the Eastern Panhandle
117 North Queen Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401

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